The "Ignacy" Mine – Glowacki Hoist and Engine House – 1902 (Poland)

The historical mine "Ignacy" is an old coal mine in Rybnik, the above-ground part of which is open to visitors. The mine was built in 1792 on the initiative of the Prussian Minister of Silesia, Karl Georg von Hoym, and was founded by the Military Chamber of the Dominion from Wrocław. Initially, the mine belonged to the Foundry Board in Rybnik, and from 1810 - to the State Mining Board. The mine operated intermittently. In 1834, it was bought by the governor Cuno from Racibórz, who on March 25, 1835, connected the mine "Sylwester" to it (operated since 1832). After 1840, the coal basin "Birtultau" was connected to it, and from December 30, 1870 to September 11, 1871, the mine "Laura" was also connected. In 1890, the majority of this mine was bought by Duke Hugo zu Hohenlohe-Oehringen, and In 1914 it was taken over by the "Černice Coal Company". This mine was operated together with the "Carolus" mine. In 1940 it was taken over by the H. Goering concern, and since 1945 it has belonged to the Rybnik Coal Industry Association. On January 1, 1968, the mine was merged with the "Rydultowy" mine. Now it is a historical technical monument, which also includes an interactive educational center and popularizes the traditions of industrial culture of the Rybnik region. . All objects of the old mine have been completely renovated - buildings: the machine room of the "Glowacki" mine, the above-ground part of this mine, the compressor-above-ground part of the "Kosciuszko" mine and its machine room, and the water tower, which is adapted to the functions of an observation deck. The "Kosciuszko" mine building houses an interactive exhibition "The Age of Steam", dedicated to steam engines and their application in various types of technology. The above-ground part of the "Kosciuszko" mine lift is a hall of metal and brick construction, next to which a 37 m high tower of steel structures was built in 1922. The tower was manufactured at the Kiel factory "Humboldt". The building and the tower were built in place of the old "Grundmann" mine building, built in the 1870s. The depth of the mine reached 300 m. The mine was expanded at that time and became a deep mine in 1924, in 1927 its depth had already reached 400 m, and in 1985 - 600 m. In 1936 its name was changed to "Kosciuszko". Mining was stopped in 1995, and in 2008 the mine was closed. Repair and renovation work on the mine building and tower began in 2019 and will be completed in 2022, and the building now houses a multimedia exhibition "The Age of Steam", which tells the story of the Industrial Revolution and the influence of steam engines on the development of civilization.

This model—fairly large, yet not overly complex, well-designed and featuring moderate exterior detailing—recreates the current appearance of the mine hoist and engine house. It is not overly complicated, as the surface structure of the mine itself has relatively simple forms, making it suitable even for beginners and less experienced modelers. However, they should work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, proceeding without haste and with care and precision. The most challenging part will be the hoist tower (especially if You wish to replicate its azurely structure, as seen in reality); this section requires significant attention, precision, and care. There is almost a full A4 sheet of colors and textures reserves included. The textual instruction (in Polish) is extensive, informative, and detailed, while the graphical instruction is large, comprehensive and easy to read—providing everything necessary for a successful build.